When

21 May 2015, 18:00 - 22 May 2015, 18:30

Where

Hofburg Conference Centre, Vienna

Organized by

The OSCE Secretary General in cooperation with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Representative on Freedom of the Media, the High Commissioner on National Minorities, and the Anna Lindh Foundation

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier speaking during the 2015 Security Days event, Vienna, 22 May 2015.

This OSCE Security Days event provided a forum for exploring the root causes of extremism and radicalisation, as well as possible measures and actions to counter extremism and radicalization that lead to violence.

During the thematic sessions, participants looked at how different levers and tools – including media, education, inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, and empowerment of women and youth – can effectively contribute to reducing tensions and turn vulnerable individuals away from radicalisation.

It was also a launching pad for further collaboration between the OSCE and other international and regional organizations in preventing violent extremism and radicalization by promoting tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for diversity. Participants included prominent representatives of government, civil society, religious institutions, the media and academia, including women and youth leaders, from OSCE participating States and Partner countries. This event sent a powerful unifying message of condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and regardless of their origins.